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Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something . . . Green!
Planning an Upstate New York green wedding? Mohonk Mountain House has an extensive history of environmental stewardship, from land preservation to recycling and composting. This commitment is reflected in green weddings at the Mountain House.
We feature:
The Mohonk Mountain House Green Story…and Green Weddings at our New York State Resort
Land Stewardship
In 1994, Mohonk Mountain House received a United Nations Environment Programme Award, recognizing “generations of dedicated leadership and commitment to the protection and enhancement of the environment and for their inestimable contribution to the cause of peace, justice, and sustainable human development.” Mohonk is a also a proud member of the New York State Green Leaf Certification! In October 2011, the Smiley Family and Mohonk Mountain House staff were honored for 142 years of land stewardship by the Open Space Institute.
The Smiley family transferred 5,300 acres to the Mohonk Trust in 1963. Now known as the Mohonk Preserve, this is the largest visitor- and member-supported Preserve in New York State.
The nearby Brook Farm Project, a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture, was founded on lands that originally belonged to Mohonk Mountain House. Vegetables grown on this sustainable farm supply hotel guests with farm-to-table produce in season, as available.
Mohonk Consultations, Inc. was founded to raise awareness and understanding of local and global ecological systems by sponsoring conferences at Mohonk Mountain House.
Eco-Friendly Wedding And Hotel Practices
The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House’s geothermal heating and cooling system moderates the temperature of the spa using the constant temperature of the earth, ensuring an emission- and noise-free zone.
The spa’s “green roof” garden terrace helps insulate the building, reduces energy use and runoff, and provides a venue for birds and butterflies, yoga classes, and meditation.
The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House’s has been recognized as a favorite “Eco/Green Spa” by Spa magazine for its eco-friendly initiatives, as part of the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
The Mohonk Golf Course was named one of the “Top Ten Environmentally Friendly Golf Courses in the U.S.” by Links magazine in 2009. The Golf Course was also awarded Certified Cooperative Sanctuary status from the International Audubon Society, for environment-friendly practices.
Energy Saving, Recycling, and Conservation Efforts
An extensive composting program processes tons of consumer food waste per month. The compost product is used as fertilizer in Mohonk gardens, on the golf course, and at the Brook Farm Project.
With the efforts of its composting and recycling programs, Mohonk is currently reducing its waste sent to landfill by 50%.
Mohonk Mountain House uses an Integrated Pest Management system to reduce the use of pesticides. It also uses Green Seal certified laundry products and non-aerosol cleaning materials.
Mohonk Mountain House utilizes an environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment plant.
Activities That Embrace the Earth
The Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station, with the Mohonk Preserve, has recorded weather for over 100 years.
Hiking on miles of spectacular trails, on-site rock scrambles, and guided rock climbing for overnight guests encourage visitors to explore the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, recognized by the Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last Great Places” on Earth.
Nature programs for all ages are hosted by Mohonk’s staff naturalist. The Junior Naturalist Experience, created by our staff naturalist and incorporated into the Mohonk Kids’ Club, introduces children to the wonders of the outdoors through eco-friendly activities with a hands-on approach.
View our Wedding brochure
For additional information about weddings, please call 845.256.2053.
